Sweater Beats), Tobias Wincorn, Theron Thomas, Dan Farber, and Eric Frederic (a.k.a.

The recording uses a sample from an electronic recording/composition entitled "Nescafé" by Raymond Scott (from his album Manhattan Research, Inc.), who is credited as a co-writer.

[4] "Tempo" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the artists' performances and deemed it a club track.

[10] Described as "fiery twerk-team anthem" by NPR,[8] "Tempo" is an "ode to curvaceous women"[6] containing "self-assured" and "feel good" lyrics,[7][11] followed by Elliott's "curve-celebrating" verse in the bridge.

[9] Joshua Bote, writing for NPR, reacted positively to the song, calling it "a track that flows freely with their combined confidence and mic skills".

[10] It features Lizzo, dressed in a blue coat and red cowboy hat,[9] partying in a diner parking lot with several dancers and cars in the background.